I am not sure how this restaurant 'only' has 4.2 starts! It should be 5!!…read more About 3 years ago, we tried Halls Chophouse of Charleston and was undeniably impressed by the quality of the steaks, sides, and the service. Since we were in the Columbia area, we had to come back! The service here is top-notch, and ALL high end restaurants should take note. Servers and managers are always standing around in the hallway practically waiting to help you, are there to start conversation and make you enjoy your experience. Our waitress constantly came around to check on us. Great work! In Charleston, we got the prime rib and loved it. So, as a result, we got the prime rib again AND loved it again! It was just like how we remembered it; tender and great flavor. Their sides come in large portions (shareable). They do have great mac-and-cheese. It kind of gives us like a Spanish vibe, probably because it consists of a certain spice or Jalapeños (my guess), but that does not make it spicy! All it does is adds complexity to the flavor. For dessert, we shared the cookie skillet. It comes with ice cream on top with chocolate syrup and caramel on the side. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.. that's how we like it!! I highly recommend you give Halls Chophouse a try. You will not be disappointed!

Our party of four was fairly satisfied with our brunch. Most everyone agreed that the food and…read moreespecially the coffee could've benefited from a higher temperature. The problem with the coffee was the cream. It should probably be served around room temperature. Because the creamer was so cold several of our party had to ask for frequent warm-ups. Our server, Kristen, was very personable, pleasant and accommodating. A couple of us ordered Bellini's and mimosas. My Bellini was just OK. My standards are high, since I've had them in Venice, Italy. The Hall's Bellini was not very tasty and on the watery side. My wife tried to order the sweet potato pancakes, but they were out. So she was disappointed, and ended up with the lavender scented brioche French toast. She thought it was OK but was seeking a stronger flavor. I ordered the biscuits and sausage gravy. I don't order this very often, but there was a good portion of sausage and the flavor of the sausage was enjoyable without being too salty. Our daughter ordered crab cake Eggs Benedict which features a creole sauce. She enjoyed it, but the temperature of the dish could have been hotter. Our niece's daughter had the farmers omelette with the apple sage sausage. The apple-sage sausages were excellent (I got to sample one) and a very good deal. The ambience of Halls is always great. The service is usually quite good and the food is usually excellent. This is our second brunch at Halls and I'll have to say that our first brunch experience was a little bit better for the reasons noted above. I still rate it the best brunch in town.

I've been here twice and both times service has been great and food was delicious. Ive always been…read moreseated promptly since you can make reservations or call and get added to the waitlist. Theres seated my both inside and outside and the vibes are great. I've heard that their food is always great and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Though I couldn't remember what I got last time I decided to go with something totally different and try the flounder wrap which was simple but out of this world! Soooo good, and with my wrap I did the truffle fries with a side of ranch and blue cheese. Everything was a hit and our server too was great. 10/10 great find for Columbia! Oh and I almost forgot, the peanut butter pie slice was like eating a big snickers the perfect amount of peanut butter, chocolate and crunch! It was phenomenal- so rich.

Thankful for another trip around the sun and this year instead of heading out of the country I…read morecelebrated in SC with family. The only downside about my born day is the close proximity to Valentine's day. Which can sometimes make the planning around the commercialized love day tricky... especially when it comes to restaurant reservations.... Womp womp. Backstreets Grill said they could accommodate a party of 8. They were clearly busy and with our party size we could understand. Nonetheless, we had a very loonnngggg wait, which was frustrating and deflating. We waited 4x the time the young ladies initially told us upon arrival. However, once we were finally seated things started to turn around slightly. I say slightly because we were seated on the enclosed patio, with a portable heater but several people were cold. Just to think they kept asking us and others if we wanted to sit outside. (It's February @ night). Now the food: Some of the dishes were more favorable than others and I must admit all of my personal choices were great. Appetizers: -Mussels - White Wine (My Order) -Fried Oysters (I tried) -Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna -Lump Crab Dip (I tried) -Tomato Parmesan Soup (My Order) -Side House & Caesar Salads (I tried) I personally had the Mussels, which were perfect, and the tomato parmesan soup and both made you want to lick the bowl. The broths were so good. I tried the fried oysters, they were also very good, but the presentation was a little messy. The Lump Crab Dip and the Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna completely fell short and were not memorable at all and both of the side salads were sad. Entrées: -Cajun Chicken Pasta w/ Blackened Shrimp (My order) -Buffalo Chicken Pizza (I tried) -House-made Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes & vegetables -Pork-chop w/ mashed potatoes & green beans -Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla w/ Fries -Ribeye w/ Truffle Parmesan Fries My sister and I both ordered the Cajun Chicken pasta, I added the blackened shrimp to my order, we were both extremely happy. The dish was not spicy but it was well balanced. The recipients of the Meatloaf, Buffalo Chicken Pizza and the Quesadilla were all also pleased with their dishes. The folks that ordered the ribeye and the two pork-chops were not impressed... the dishes were just ok. Our server Adrian, was pleasant, but you can tell he was very overwhelmed which sometimes didn't translate well. As the night went on we understood he was being pulled in multiple directions at once and he did good despite of it. Overall I enjoyed my celebration and experience @ Backstreets Grill. Just A Note: I notice that they can get busy so be ready to wait. Even smaller parties were forced to stretch their patience.

Great Food, Service, and the best Bourbon selection in South Carolina. Can't wait to return!read more

Perfect place for an amazing dinner right before catching a show! The holiday cocktail menu was…read moreinteresting, but the hubby opted for a smoked bourbon. It delivered on smokiness to the point of entertaining me too! My glass of rose was great, a normal choice for me. The gumbo had excellent flavor and the small whole bird on top was such an interesting presentation. The crispy skin had great flavor as did the chicken itself, complemented the creole flavor of the gumbo perfectly. I hate to admit that the tomato broth, dare I say gravy, kind of stole the flavor show. We both loved it. I nearly forgot I had grilled bread to accompany it as I was spooning up mussels and the delightfully flavorful tomato broth. Service was totally on point until the very end, when getting our check was a bit slow. We had a new server respond to our rescue though, and they did discount our check a bit, which was more than we were expecting. The seating arrangement for us ended up being at a communal long dining table, not a private booth. It wasn't our first date, and we loved being in the middle of the room and watching all of the dishes and drinks flow by. The view of the booth tables by the window would also make for a great view when the street is busy with ample people watching. Great experience, would definitely recommend. Take note, they do not take reservations so either come early or allow time to wait.

The adults come out to play at Goat's in Five Points! If you have a love for espresso martinis,…read moreyou'll definitely want to check them out!

The bar is everything I look for from a cocktail bar - spacious yet cozy, dark with enough light to…read moreread what's in front of you, and quality drink. The cocktails were the star of the night - ranging from $11 to $13 - both their classics and house creations were well balanced and worth trying. Table service was provided with attentive wait staff who weren't overbearing. The only miss for the night was the food. While certain items like the fries and the Brussels sprouts were great, other items like the burger and duck tacos didn't hit the mark with a burger that was too dry and overly charred and the tacos which were too gamey and could have used a some more acid. For a drink I'd certainly visit again, but would likely pass on food.

Thursday night girls' night done right!! We stopped into The…read moreHollow for Bottles & Boards and were very impressed. The Wild Game Tasting Board was the star of the table perfect for sharing and trying something a little different. We also ordered the gator bites (a must-try!) and finished things off with cheesecake for dessert, which was the perfect sweet ending. Good service, Amazing Food. The chef really goes above and beyond! This is the perfect spot if you're looking to switch things up from your usual dinner routine and try something a little wild.

When my family in Columbia suggested a "forest to table" restaurant, I wasn't sure what to expect…read more But The Hollow surprised me in the best way. The concept centers on wild game. Bison, elk, boar, rabbit. These are proteins you don't see on most menus. The restaurant leans into a woodland theme with greenery hanging throughout the space. It borders on a bit much, but the open kitchen visible from the dining room grounds the whole experience and adds a nice touch of theater. The seating was comfortable and well spaced, perfect for a family dinner where you actually want to hear each other talk. Our server was outstanding, easily 5 out of 5. She knew the menu cold, offered thoughtful recommendations, and struck that ideal balance of attentive without being intrusive. She made the evening better. The drinks were mostly a win. Two cocktails were excellent, creative and well balanced. A third was over iced and fell flat. Minor miss, but worth noting. The food is where The Hollow really shines. The charcuterie board was a fantastic start, featuring a well curated spread of wild game meats, quality cheeses, fig, and mustard. The mains delivered across the board: salmon, elk, and bison all came out beautifully with great flavor and generous portions. The sides deserved their own applause, which isn't something I say often. The dessert menu was the one soft spot. Nothing grabbed our attention, so we ended up heading across the street to Kaminsky's for something sweet. For a kitchen that puts this much care into everything else, the dessert offerings felt like an afterthought. A couple of notes on the bill to be aware of: we were charged a few dollars for swapping a vegetable side. There was a 3% credit card surcharge that caught us off guard. When you're out with the family and the tab runs into the hundreds $, most folks are paying with a card. That's a fee I'd want to know about upfront. On the menu, from the server, somewhere visible before the check arrives. The bottom line: The Hollow is a creative, well executed restaurant with standout food and excellent service. If you're in Columbia, it's well worth a reservation.

Saluda's Restaurant -…read more Hands-down my favorite restaurant in Columbia. Saluda's never misses. The menu strikes the perfect balance: an excellent selection of small plates (the crab cakes and fried green tomatoes are addictive) and truly outstanding entrées. Whether you're craving a perfectly cooked filet, fresh seafood specials, or one of their thoughtful vegetarian options, everything comes out flavorful and beautifully presented. Portions are generous without being overwhelming. The bar program is top-tier; cocktails are creative, balanced, and made with premium spirits every single time. The wine list is equally impressive and fairly priced. Service is the gold standard: attentive and knowledgeable without hovering, genuinely warm, and quick to offer great recommendations. They make you feel like a regular even on your first visit. On a nice evening, grab a table on the patio overlooking Five Points. People-watching, string lights, and that lively-but-not-chaotic energy make it one of the best outdoor dining experiences in town. Saluda's is always my answer when someone asks where they should eat in Columbia, whether it's date night, celebrating something special, or just a really good meal with friends. Consistently excellent.

Birthday dinner for my boo, located in 5 points, limited parking or I just don't know where to…read morelook. The only signage is on the door that leads up the stairs for 2nd level dining. The ambiance is modern elegant with indoor or outdoor seating balcony view below/around 5 points. Our server and service was good although drink refills could have been more swift. We had appetizer Pork Cheeks, entrees braised pork chop & scallops. Dessert pumpkin cheesecake. The appetizer was really enough to fill both of us, it was slow roasted tender pork with a potato base. My wife really enjoyed her pork chop because it had the flavor of jerk chicken, full of meat very little fat with large shell macaroni light cheese. I had 4 scallops with rice and peas in middle, the scallops tasted salty to me would have preferred less salt. The pumpkin cheesecake was the perfect blend of each without overwhelming flavor. A great option for a special occasion or stopping in for lunch/drinks.

THIS is the place I'm gonna bring my mama to when she comes to visit me in Columbia, South…read moreCarolina! This is, hands down, the best restaurant I've gone to in the city so far. The food is off the chain, people. They make everything in house in the back, according to friends I've made that have worked here, and you can TELL. The salmon ponchartrain? Jesus Christ and all that is holy. I thought I met my maker. Even the green beans had me double-taking. I wasn't going to get dessert bc I thought I was going to explode but THE KEY LIME PIE THE SIZE OF A SMALL COUNTRY?! My god! The ambiance of this place is just ROMANTIC. People need to experience it. Shoutout to the fabulous servers, talented bartenders, and the wonderful manager that kept stopping by to make sure that not only was I having a good time, but everything was exceeding expectations.

I was really impressed with the Blue Marlin, and I had a great dining experience here! The first…read morething I noticed about the Blue Marlin was how elegant and sophisticated the inside of the restaurant was. I felt like I was transferred back in time to a different era, and I loved the upscale environment that the restaurant presented.  Having said that, I sat at the bar, and arguably didn't even get the full Blue Marlin experience. Nevertheless, and in spite of how classy the restaurant was, I still had an awesome time at the bar. I got the chicken tenders and fries, as well as one of the local IPAs that they had on tap. The bartender (I wish I had gotten his name) was a really cool guy, and I was very appreciative of both the service he provided me with as well as the fact that he took the time to chat with me like a regular person. He displayed the perfect combination of professionalism, without coming off as robotic. My aforementioned tenders and fries were pretty good as well, and I liked how they carried some local beers to compliment the brand name items.  All-in-all, I really enjoyed my visit to Blue Marlin, I'll definitely be back in the future, and I'd recommend that anybody stop in at least once!

I will start by saying I completely forgot to take pictures of my food lol. It was amazing, though…read more I went with my friend, and she had the Royale with Cheese, and she enjoyed it. I had the Risotto Primavera and added Salmon....so good!!! The service was great, I mean, my friend forgot her umbrella, and they ran out in the rain to get it to her, and I forgot my food ‍. I went back, and it was at the front because they attempted to get it to me. I was so grateful cause it was eaten the next day. We sat on the rooftop, and even with the rain, the atmosphere was great. The rain didn't affect anything, and the music was amazing! Lots of old school jams that I love. I'd definitely go again whenever I'm back in Columbia.

The food and drinks they served were all great. The beef tartare in particular was very fresh and…read morehonestly some of the best I've had. My only critique is the price. I felt like it was slightly overpriced compared to the average (West) Columbia market for what you get. The waitress was pleasant and she did a great job handling our orders. The restaurant is placed in a fantastic location. You get a view of Meeting St and of the bridge heading into downtown. The inside seating was a lot smaller than I expected so I would definitely take the rooftop whenever possible, but I don't believe the rooftop is open for reservation.

I had a wonderful experience at Terra. The ambient is relaxing and elegant, every single dish was…read moretop notch! Their cocktails are pretty tasty too. Luckily I live close by, I will be back for dinner. Highly recommend for romantic night out!

This was a great stop for dinner! I came with a friend and we got the lamb mac and cheese app,…read morewhich was good but I might suggest trying something else. I got the tomato basil pizza which was great, not greasy and great portion size. Ambiance was really nice, and would love to come back to try their cocktail menu. Overall, made for a good dinner night and would be a great date night spot!

One of the best burger spots in the Columbia area is located in Cayce, SC! The Kingsman will treat…read moreyou like royalty with the size and taste of their burgers. My favorite is the Palmetto Burger and I always add bacon. (It's a ribeye burger btw). Also they have a hidden menu item called the Pizza Burger... You must try it!

I ordered take out for a burger and salads and they forgot to make my burger but still made me pay…read more Would not answer phone either, had no way to contact staff to get a refund or any information. Would not recommend.